Cammack Demands Fast-Tracking of Livestock Treatment Approvals Amidst Screwworm Infestation

Representative Kat Cammack (R-FL) spearheaded a recent letter to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) urging the expediting of treatments for livestock against New World Screwworm as an infestation spreads from Mexico.

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) noted the possible resurgence of the parasite in December, with the Department of Agriculture (USDA) authorizing $165 million in emergency funding to fight the epidemic.

Screwworm refers to the maggots of a fly species originally from the Caribbean. Females lay eggs in open wounds and other vulnerable areas present on mammals (commonly livestock and pets, occasionally people). The maggots burrow into flesh, causing severe damage and frequently killing the host.

While it was largely eradicated in 1966 thanks to releasing sterile males into the population, it has occasionally resurfaced, including this latest outbreak from Mexico.

"Time is of the essence, as there are safe, effective treatments already in use around the world that U.S. producers cannot legally deploy because of outdated or incomplete labeling," Rep. Cammack said in her letter, adding, "By working hand-in-hand with USDA and EPA, HHS can cut through bureaucratic red tape to ensure that veterinarians, ranchers, and wildlife managers have the tools they need before an outbreak hits."

Representative Tony Gonzales (R-TX), the letter's coauthor, said, "Fast-tracking approvals for anti-parasitic treatments for livestock is another important step we must take to protect our livestock industry from the New World screwworm."

"From introducing the STOP Screwworms Act and leading funding efforts through my seat on the House Appropriations Committee to working alongside USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins to launch a facility focused on screwworm eradication efforts—I am determined to do everything possible to eliminate this deadly parasite," Rep. Gonzales added.

In January, Dr. Jorge Rey, President of the Florida Mosquito Control Association, wrote an op-ed for The Floridian detailing the various techniques to combat another insectoid scourge in the form of mosquitoes.